Splitdorf Apelco Starting Lighting

Here is some factory information for the Splitdorf Apelco starting and lighting system used on some early installations to keep yours alive and well . This is similar to the 12 volt system used by Dodge Brothers. It usually was configured as a shunt wound generator with a heavy series field used for starting. Operating the starting switch causes current to flow through the series field and armature like a series wound universal motor and when the switch is released the shunt field windings are placed in parallel with the armature. A cutout closes when the generator output exceeds the battery voltage connecting the generator to the battery for charging.